ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
APEDA organizes virtual Buyer Seller Meeting with Thailand for expanding exports of agricultural and processed food products exports to South-East Asian country
‘Taste of India’ Campaign organized in Bangkok
In a bid to boost exports potential of India’s agricultural and processed food products exports, APEDA organized a Virtual Buyer Seller Meet , in association with Indian Embassy in Thailand, on 21st December 2020. The meet brought together key stakeholders from the respective Governments and trade on a common platform for strengthening strategic cooperation between India and Thailand in Agri Food Sector.
This Virtual-BSM with Thailand is the 13th in the series of such events organized by APEDA with various countries. Earlier such Virtual-BSM were organized with the United Arab Emirates , Kuwait, Indonesia, Switzerland, Belgium, Iran, South Africa, Germany, the United States, Canada and Australia.
During the Virtual-BSM, presentations were made by of Trade Associations from India on potential product for exports to Thailand such as grapes, pomegranate, vegetable, Dairy Products and other Ready to Eat products. The Thailand Trade Associations and importers explained their requirement or standards for agri imports from India.
The Virtual BSM was joined by Mrs. Suchitra Durai, Ambassador of India to Thailand, Dr. M. Angamuthu, Chairman APEDA, Mr. Visit Limlurcha, Director Board of Trade of Thailand and President of Thai Food Processors’ Association, MsPaphaveeSuthavivat, Vice Chairman of the Institute of Agro Based Industries, the Federation of Thai Industries and Senior Officials of APEDA and Embassy of India, Thailand.
The Virtual BSM was followed by a ‘Taste of India’ Campaign in Bangkok. Indian grapes, pomegranate, pomegranate arils, vegetable, Dairy Products and other Ready to Eat products were sent by APEDA and same were displayed. Wet Sampling of Basmati Rice Biryani, fresh grapes and pomegranate have also been organized during the Taste of India Campaign. The visitors relished the Biryani preparation and pomegranate and grapes.
Due to the ongoing Covid19pandemic, the export promotion programme were not possible to be organized physically. APEDA took a lead to organize Virtual BSM to provide a platform to the exporters and importers of India and Thailand.
Ever since the COVID pandemic, there is an increased shift of focus towards Middle East, South East and Western trade partners by India for creating new opportunities for alliance in agricultural and processed food sector.
Ministry of Railways
ER ORGANIZES ‘MASK MOVEMENT’ THROUGHOUT ITS JURISDICTION TO COMBAT COVID-19
Kolkata, April 15, 2021
The Security Department  of Eastern Railway  launched a massive public awareness campaign at all the major railway stations under its jurisdiction to create public awareness and to induce people to follow COVID appropriate behaviour.
The basic objective of this public awareness campaign in the name of ‘Mask Movement’ is to educate the passengers to wear face masks and to observe the COVID protocols which include keeping hand sanitiser and maintaining physical distance as far as practicable to reduce the spread of the virus.
The ‘Mask’ movement drive has been conducted with a view to contain the spread of COVID-19 Pandemic. The passengers and other rail users in the station premises as well as in trains are briefed and sensitised to observe the COVID protocol in true spirit. Frequent announcements through the public address system have been made to disseminate the message of COVID appropriate behaviour so as to combat Corona Virus in the railway premises as well as in trains. The Passengers have also been requested to follow the DOs & DON’Ts related to COVID-19. Tactful application of soft skill was adopted approaching the passengers found without masks in station premises and in trains in order to compel them to wear them.
Ministry of Defence
Spectacular show Thrills Parents at OTA, Gaya
As a celebratory prelude to the Passing out Parade on 08 June 2019, a Multi Activity Display showcasing extraordinary military skills and breathtakingly gripping performances was held at Officers’ Training Academy, Gaya.
Lt Gen MM Naravane, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command was the Chief Guest at the event. The spellbound spectators also included proud parents and relatives of Gentlemen Cadets from the Passing Out Course, guests, school children and distinguished civilian dignitaries.
Enthusiastic and energetic Cadets demonstrated very high standards of physical fitness, mental robustness and a rare spirit of adventure. PT event was a mesmerising and professional display of agility and physical strength by the Gentlemen Cadets. Other events included grand Equestrian Display by the Gentlemen Cadets, Fly Past by Micro-light Aircraft, Sky Diving, ‘Kalaripayattu’ Martial Arts Display, Gymnastics Display by ‘North East Warriors’ and an impressive Band Performance.
Ministry of Finance
Scheme for Financial Support for Project Development Expenses of PPP Projects – ‘IIPDF Scheme’  Notified on 03.11.2022
The Department of Economic Affairs , Ministry of Finance, Government of India, notifies Scheme for Financial Support for Project Development Expenses of PPP Projects – India Infrastructure Project Development Fund Scheme  on 03.11.2022.
DEA is laying great thrust on improving the quality and pace of infrastructure development in the country by encouraging private sector participation in the infrastructure sector. The DEA has been actively engaged in developing the appropriate policy framework for private investment in infrastructure development. Public Private Partnerships  are being encouraged to bring private capital and efficiency in execution and operation of infrastructure projects. Besides, new schemes and initiatives are being introduced to provide financial and technical support to the private sector, wherever necessary.
Now, the IFS, DEA has come out with Scheme for Financial Support for Project Development Expenses of PPP Projects – ‘IIPDF Scheme’  for providing necessary support to the PSAs, both in the Central and State Governments, by extending financial assistance in meeting the cost of transaction advisors and consultants engaged in the development of PPP projects.
As a Central Sector Scheme, the India Infrastructure Project Development Fund Scheme  will aid development of quality PPP projects by providing necessary funding support to the project sponsoring authorities, both in the Central and State Governments, for creating a shelf of bankable viable PPP projects for achieving the vision of modern infrastructure for the country. Funding under IIPDF Scheme is in addition to the already operational Scheme for Financial Support to PPPs in Infrastructure  notified on 07.12.2020, through which infrastructure projects undertaken through PPP mode that are economically justified but commercially unviable are supported. Scheme and Guidelines are available on www.pppinindia.gov.in .
The Infrastructure Finance Secretariat , DEA, has undertaken several deep dive initiatives for boosting PPP ecosystem in the country covering the entire gamut of PPP Life-cycle. A key step in structuring quality PPP projects is to provide quality advisory/ consultancy services to the Project Sponsoring Authorities . However, procurement of such services is a time consuming and difficult process often resulting into delays in onboarding of the appropriate Transaction Advisers  or non-optimal structuring of PPP projects.
To address these issues, the Department of Economic Affairs has notified a panel of pre-qualified TAs on 01.07.2022 and developed a Manual for utilisation of this panel.
Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs to observe “Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath” on 1st October as part of Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign
To organize Shramdaan for Swachhata at Navyug School and its surroundings
Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has created an event on SHS Portal for Ek Taarikh–Ek Ghanta-Ek Saath, a Special Program on 1st October, 2023 at 10.00AM on Shramdaan for Swachhata at Navyug School, Peshwa Road, New Delhi and its surroundings. The Officers/officials will participate in the above shramdaan along with teachers, students and the general public from the vicinity. The event is being publicized for ensuring greater participation of the public.
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has planned a number of activities as a part of the annual Swachhata Hi Sewa  fortnight being jointly organized by Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen and Urban  from 15th September to 2nd October, 2023.
To begin with, in order to initiate/ accelerate the activities under SHS in the Ministry, Secretary, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs administered the Swachhata Pledge to officers/officials of the Ministry and motivated them to dedicate themselves to ensuring Garbage Free India. Inspections of all the Sections/locations within the Ministry were made by Secretary and Additional Secretary and appropriate instructions were given to ensure cleanliness in the office ecosystem to the maximum possible.
The Ministry is working on full scale as per mandate of SHS. Every nook and corner has been cleaned, a detailed plan to do away with the scrap materials has been charted out. For Swachh Air, CPWD  has provided shade tolerant/indoor plants which have been placed in all sections/cabins of officers.
The Ministry organized, today, an Intra –School Essay Competition for the students of Kendriya Vidyalaya Gole Market, New Delhi on the topic of “Role of Cleanliness in Nation Building”. Students of 11th & 12th standards participated in the Competition. Cash Prizes and Certificates were awarded to First, Second and Third prize winners. Secretary, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs also felicitated Safai Mitras who have been working tirelessly for ensuring cleanliness in the institution. Thus a plethora of activities have been undertaken and proposed to be undertaken by the Ministry to commemorate SHS to the fullest.
The Ministry has urged upon the public, particularly people from vicinity of the School to take part in the SHS on 1st October, 2023.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
India’s partnerships with global suppliers for ensuring long term supply of fertilisers to Indian farmers will also address international cartelisation by few global players - Dr Mansukh Mandaviya
“As the international market has seen a downward trend in Phosphatic Fertilisers, the same trend ought to be reflected in raw materials of fertilisers like Phosphoric Acid”
“India’s partnerships with global suppliers for ensuring long term supply of fertilisers to Indian farmers will also address international cartelisation”. This was stated by Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers Dr Mansukh Mandaviya as the MoU of Madras Fertilizers Limited with M/s Agrifields, Dubai was presented to him, here today.
In a significant step towards improving availability of DAP and NPK fertilizers for the farming community of the country, Madras Fertilizers Limited has signed an MoU for procuring 30,000 MT of Phosphoric Acid Solution from M/s Agrifields, Dubai annually for three years. Approximately 1.67 LMT NPKs will be produced by using this quantity of Phosphoric Acid. This will fulfil the P2O5 requirement to produce 59.6% of total installed capacity  of complex fertilizers of MFL.
The Union Minister highlighted that “The MoU coming in the backdrop of prevailing uncertainties in the supply of fertilizers, particularly DAP and NPKs, will play a strong role in fair play of economies rather than few global players managing through cartelisation. As the international market has seen a downward trend in Phosphatic Fertilisers, the same trend ought to be reflected in raw materials of fertilisers like Phosphoric Acid in the coming quarters”.
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya stated that “Phosphoric Acid is an important raw material for manufacturing DAP and other complex NPK fertilizers. Given India’s high dependence on imports of raw material and fertiliser minerals, Government of India has been entering into such supply partnerships with global producers and suppliers for ensuring stable long term availability of P&K fertilizers to Indian farmers”. The importance of such MOUs is accentuated ahead of upcoming cropping season as this will contribute towards ensuring food security not only in the country, but also help to strengthen global food security, he stressed.
PIB Headquarters
V.O.Chidambaranar Port Trust created a back to back record in unloading of coal in 24 hours.
On 19.06.2020, the Port notched a back to back record by unloading 55,785 Tonnes of Coal in 24 hours at Berth No.9 from the vessel ‘M.V. Myrsini’, surpassing the earlier record of 55,363 tonnes of Coalhandled at Berth No.9 from the vessel ‘MV. Green K Max S’.
The Marshall Island flagged Panamax class vessel ‘‘M.V. Myrsini’ with DWT of 82,117, Length of 229 Metres, beam of 32.26 Metres and draft of 14.12 Metresarrived from the Port of Tanjung Bara, Indonesia, with 76,999 Tonnes of Coal consigned for M/s. Chettinad Cements. The 3 Harbour Mobile cranes operated by M/s. IMCOLA Crane Company, Tuticorin, discharged 55,785 Tonnes of coal within a span of 24 hours.
The Shipping Agents for the vessel is M/s. Sun Beam Logistics Private, Limited, Tuticorin, and Stevedore Agent is M/s. Chettinad Logistics,Tuticorin.
Shri T.K. Ramachandran, I.A.S., Chairman, V.O.Chidambaranar Port Trust, applauded the officials of the Port and stakeholders on the remarkable back to back achievement and stated that "this record discharge rate upholds the superior infrastructure, operational efficiency and committed workforce of VOC Port”.
The above details were furnished in a Press Release by
V. O. Chidambaranar Port Trust today.
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Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
Experts Exchange ideas on Ganga Museum
National Mission for Clean Ganga  is planning to set up a Ganga Exhibition and a Ganga Museum as an instrument for public outreach, depicting the river’s history and mythology, its importance for the livelihood of a huge population, as well as efforts for Ganga Rejuvenation.
Expert from India and the European Union are meeting for two days on 29th & 30th November, 2018 to hold an International Workshop on “Developing a Ganga Museum Concept: Exchanging Experiences and Ideas between India and Europe” along with GIZ India as a part of Indo German Development Co-operation to exchange ideas and experiences regarding various aspects of the proposed museum, knowledge centre and exhibition.
Delivering the keynote address, Secretary Ministry of Water Resources River Developing and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri UP Singh said that the Ganga Museum should reflect all the aspects of the river like it’s mythological and spiritual significance, efforts to rejuvenate the river, economic activities going on along its banks and its biodiversity and aquatic life including fishes, turtles, dolphins etc. He hoped that ideas of international experts will enrich the concept of Ganga Museum.
Director General, NMCG Shri R.R.Mishra said that NMCG has been working towards the possibility for the establishment of a Ganga Museum. Identification of an appropriate location will be the essence of the project. People are connected with Ganga in different ways as pilgrims, as tourists and as beneficiaries of economic activities around it. Everybody should feel connected with the river. He said the Ganga Museum should be designed in such a way as to increase the connect and motivation to keep the river clean as a continuous process.
About 35 international and Indian museum experts as well representatives of Ministries of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Art, Culture and Youth and Wildlife Institute of India are participating in the workshop. The ideas thrown up in the workshop will be compiled in a manual that will be used as a basis to further implement the necessary steps to set up a Ganga Museum and Exhibition.
Ministry of Finance
Income Tax Department has seized about Rs 15.5 crore unaccounted cash from Mumbai since the announcement of Assembly Election
The Income Tax Department has so far seized unaccounted cash totaling to approximately Rs. 15.5 crore in Mumbai since Model Code of Conduct came into force for Assembly Election, 2019, in the State of Maharashtra. This apart, strength of the Quick Response Teams, formed for this period, has been further increased with additional manpower so as to ensure elections free from influence of cash and/or valuables. The Department will give special attention to the movement of unaccounted cash/valuables and also prohibition of distribution of cash/ valuables meant for wooing the electorate, particularly during the period when election campaign ceases on 19th October till the date of polling .
Further, the Department is responding to every call and information from police/public/other agencies and subject to the existence of credible information, search/ survey actions u/s 132/132A/133A are being conducted almost on daily basis.
Since the Model Code of Conduct came into operation, control room and quick response teams have been formed and set up at various districts/constituencies in the state. Further, the Department started BSNL Landline telephone numbers, Toll free numbers  and Fax number as well as Dedicated WhatsApp number for receiving messages  for intelligence/information of unaccounted cash/ valuables for election purpose. Along with these, the Income Tax Department has taken various other steps to play a constructive role in the conduct of fair and smooth elections since then. It includes comprehensive sensitization and awareness programme through newspaper advertisements in Hindi, Marathi and English language papers, placing promotional standees at prominent locations and around airports, radio promotions on 5 FM channels, social media promotion through Facebook page, bus wrappers on identified 10 bus routes, messages  through celebrities and so on.
Notably, as per Election Commission of India’s instructions, Principal Director of Income Tax-1, , Mumbai, has been designated as Nodal Officer for Income Tax Department for the state of Maharashtra since Code of Conduct came into force in the state.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Unprecedented upsurge in testing, India crosses a new peak of 4 cr tests
More than 9 lakh tests conducted for third successive day
In its fight against COVID-19 since January 2020, India has crossed another peak. The cumulative tests have seen an unprecedented upsurge and surpassed 4 crore today.
With focussed, consistent and coordinated efforts led by the Centre and implemented by the State/UT governments, India has set a new landmark of testing 4,04,06,609 people. India has come a long way from conducting just one test from the lab in Pune in January 2020 to crossing 4 crore tests milestone.
The single day tests have also seen a upsurge. Already having achieved the testing capacity of 10 laks tests per day, 9,28,761 tests conducted in the last 24 hours.
This has boosted the Tests Per Million  with a sharp increase to 29,280. As is seen in many States/UTs that have increased the testing, the positivity rate will eventually fall with higher levels of testing. The national positivity rate has remained low i.e. 8.57% and is constantly falling.
India is fallowing the strategic approach of TEST, TRACK, TREAT where testing forms the initial and crucial pillar of COVID response and management. It is only by aggressive testing that positive cases are identified at an early stage, their close contacts can be promptly tracked and isolated, and timely and effective treatment can be ensured for those in home isolation and the ones hospitalised.
Expanded diagnostic lab network and facilitation for easy testing across the country through several policy measures have given a substantial boost to this upsurge in national testing rates. There are as many as 1576 labs in the country; 1002 labs in the government sector and 574 private labs. These include:
• Real-Time RT PCR based testing labs: 806 
• TrueNat based testing labs: 650 
• CBNAAT based testing labs: 120 
For all authentic & updated information on COVID-19 related technical issues, guidelines & advisories please regularly visit: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ and @MoHFW_INDIA.
Technical queries related to COVID-19 may be sent to technicalquery.covid19[at]gov[dot]in and other queries on ncov2019[at]gov[dot]in and @CovidIndiaSeva .
In case of any queries on COVID-19, please call at the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare helpline no.: +91-11-23978046 or 1075 . List of helpline numbers of States/UTs on COVID-19 is also available at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/coronvavirushelplinenumber.pdf.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
162.26 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
India's Active caseload currently stands at 22,49,335
Active cases stand at 5.69%
Recovery Rate currently at 93.07%
2,43,495 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 3,68,04,145
3,06,064 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
71.69 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 14,74,753 tests conducted in the last 24 hours